JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The family of Amari Harley is pushing for answers from the city about how the 3-year-old boy's body ended up in Bruce Park’s underground water tank.
"We want to know why. We want to know what happened. We want answers," Amari's aunt Phyllis Wyman said while visiting the memorial in the park for Amari.
A check was left at #amari memorial. This event was at the park the same day his body was found @ActionNewsJax pic.twitter.com/HswhlAoiJL
— Danielle Avitable (@Danielle_NBC4) October 25, 2017
She said the city should be held responsible if it was a mistake on its part.
"If it was negligence on their behalf, they should be held accountable," Wyman said.
Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry addressed the media on Tuesday, saying there would be accountability if the city was in the wrong.
“When all of the facts are known, if mistakes were made, I will ensure there is accountability,” Curry said.
Regardless of the outcome of the investigation, Wyman said these water tanks are dangerous in this location.
"This is where he fell in. It really shouldn't even be here. There's enough room in this park for it to be way on the other side of the park," Wyman said.
.#TONIGHT: Hear from #Amari's Aunt who talks about how their family is doing following the 3yo's death @ActionNewsJax pic.twitter.com/O8jI2ZNckg
— Danielle Avitable (@Danielle_NBC4) October 25, 2017
Amari’s family sent Action News Jax this exclusive statement through attorney Kay Harper Williams:
"As you can imagine, our family is simply devastated. There are really no words that can describe or express the loss that we have suffered. In this difficult time, we want to thank everyone for the outpouring of love that you have shown us and ask that you keep us firmly in your prayers."
"It's unbelievable, it’s heartbreaking, it’s heartbreaking for all of us," Wyman said.
Wyman visited Amari’s mother and said she has never seen her this heartbroken before.
"That girl is in so much pain and hurt right now. She is going to need all the love and all the support," Wyman said.
The family is planning a vigil for Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Bruce Park.
Cox Media Group